nuclear-news

April 28, 2019  Pennsylvania is the latest state to debate whether to provide a rescue package to its nuclear power industry, but the commonwealth’s unique history and current energy landscape may make subsidies a tougher sell here.

The nuclear industry has struggled with stagnant demand for electricity, competition from cheaper natural gas and renewables, and high operating costs. Its response in part has been to make a controversial, but often successful, pitch to state governments to create so-called zero emission credits — effectively broadening the definition of what counts as clean energy.

It’s worked in Illinois, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. But Pennsylvania is different……..

Two bills under consideration in the state House and Senate would provide an approximately half-billion-dollar annual subsidy to nuclear plants. Public hearings have been held on both. More hearings on the House version are scheduled for April 29 and May 6.

Rep. Donna Bullock (D- Philadelphia) is undecided on the bailout bill. Both the House and Senate measures would cost the state’s electric customers about half-a-billion dollars annually.

“That’s a little hard for me to swallow, to spend this amount of money, and not have any advances when it comes to cleaner energy, and to not have any advances when it comes to more affordable energy,” Bullock said……

A state utility regulator also sent a memo to legislators last week, noting his opposition to the Senate version of the nuclear bill, SB 510. Public Utility Commissioner Andrew Place said there are less expensive ways to achieve similar goals — citing carbon pricing and energy efficiency, among other things…….. https://whyy.org/articles/legacy-of-three-mile-island-accident-political-power-of-gas-industry-makes-nuclear-subsidies-an-uphill-battle-in-pennsylvania/